Snow Camping – Camping in the Snow
Most people associate camping with summertime, but what is all this talk about snow cave camping? Yes, many people do set up camp in the summer but there are also a lot of campers that prefer going outdoors during the cold winter months. For winter campers, adequate protection against the cold and the gusty winds is a must, which is why they invest in special tents and sleeping bags. This is also why many of them like to go snow cave camping, which can provide adequate protection against the chilly weather. What’s interesting about snow cave camping however, is that it can be used both for survival in the wilderness as well as for simple backyard fun.
Snow caves are burrow-like temporary shelters in the snow. If built well, they can be quite sturdy but it is important that you choose the right spot for your snow cave in order to ensure maximum safety and protection.
There are three methods you can use to build a snow cave. The first is by making a pile of snow and digging a hole in the pile. The second is by finding a big snow bank and digging a hole in it. And the third method is by digging downwards into a deep and heavily-packed pile of snow. To create a good-sized snow cave, you would need a pile of snow about 5 feet high and at least 8 feet across.
Snow cave camping does sound like a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. There are certain tools though that you can use to make the task of creating a snow cave much easier, like a shovel and other digging implements. You will also need a tarp to lay out on the floor, as well as something you can use to cover the entrance.
People have been snow cave camping for years. Traditionally, it has only been used as a means for survival in the wintry wilderness but today, many people actually like to go snow cave camping just for the fun of it.
If you are planning to build your own snow cave sometime soon, there is just one thing that you have to keep in mind, and that is the importance of safety. Always stay away from places where avalanches are likely, and make sure you are only digging into a firmly-packed pile of snow.
Other safety precautions include waiting at least two hours after making the snow pile before digging out the cave, and ensuring that the temperature outside does not go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it may just be too risky for snow cave camping.
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